MANILA, (PIA) — Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) staff Anna Katrina Aspuria introduced a groundbreaking resource aimed at enhancing local governments’ collaboration with the private sector at the Ignite Stage, as part of the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City recently.
The “Private Sector Engagement Playbook,” Aspuria said, is designed to help municipalities tackle climate-related challenges by leveraging private sector innovation and resources. It was developed through collaboration with USAID Philippines.
The PDRF representative, speaking to a gathering of government officials, stakeholders, and DRR enthusiasts, among others, emphasized the playbook’s comprehensive nature, which includes case studies and actionable tools.
“This playbook is unique in its depth and scope,” she said. “It is a collaborative effort that draws from real-world experiences across six cities in the Philippines.”
The initiative is part of the Climate Resilience Cities Project, which aims to strengthen urban areas against climate change.
The project encompasses cities from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, focusing on building partnerships that extend beyond traditional government approaches.
Aspuria outlined three key reasons for engaging the private sector: economic influence, innovative capacity, and the ability to mobilize resources swiftly.
“The private sector is not just a contributor to climate change; they can also be pivotal in finding solutions,” she noted.
However, Aspuria acknowledged challenges in fostering these partnerships, including competing priorities and limited capacities within the private sector. “While these hurdles exist, they also present opportunities for growth and awareness of sustainable practices,” she added.
The playbook is structured around four components: a framework for engagement, best practices, actionable tools, and case studies. Aspuria highlighted the importance of building partnerships before disasters occur, emphasizing that effective collaboration requires clear objectives and ongoing evaluation of impacts.
One notable case study presented was that of Iloilo’s Batiano River, where a successful partnership transformed an undeveloped corridor into a thriving, climate-resilient area.
“This case exemplifies how effective private sector engagement can lead to sustainable development,” she said.
Looking ahead, the playbook is set to be officially launched in November 2024, coinciding with Climate Consciousness Week.
Aspuria encouraged attendees to stay informed through the social media pages of USAID Philippines and other partners involved in the Climate Resilience Cities Project.
It can be recalled that the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation is the Philippines’ major private sector vehicle and coordinator for disaster risk and reduction management.
As an alliance of businesses dedicated to building the disaster risk management capabilities of the private sector in the country, PDRF aims to contribute to the sustainable development and general welfare of the Filipino people.
As public and private sectors increasingly recognize the importance of collaboration in addressing climate challenges, the Private Sector Engagement Playbook aims to provide local governments with the tools necessary to foster effective partnerships for a more resilient future. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
(Photo by Jumalynne V. Doctolero/PIA-NCR)
